Missouri quickly settled on its starting quarterback for the 2026 season, officially naming Ole Miss transfer Austin Simmons the starter following the Tigers’ final spring practice on Thursday.
Simmons, a four-star transfer, spent two seasons with the Rebels before making the move to Columbia. While Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz held an open competition this spring, he praised Simmons’ talent and competitiveness.
“He’s a natural quarterback with a strong arm, good decision-making, and the ability to run,” Drinkwitz said in February, noting that injuries limited Simmons’ playing time last year but that he excelled when given the chance.
A three-star recruit out of high school, Simmons initially earned the starting role at Ole Miss last season but suffered an injury in Week 2 against Kentucky, allowing Trinidad Chambliss to take over.
In 17 games with Ole Miss, Simmons completed 59.8% of his passes for 1,026 yards, six touchdowns, and five interceptions. At Missouri, he beat out sophomore Matt Zollers, UConn transfer Nick Evers, and incoming 2026 signee Gavin Sidwar for the starting spot.
Simmons’ arrival in Columbia represents a fresh start after a frustrating season at Ole Miss, where a promising beginning was cut short by injury.
A two-sport high school star with offers in baseball from Florida and Georgia Tech, Simmons showed flashes of brilliance in his two starts for the Rebels, totaling 576 passing yards, 61 rushing yards, and four touchdowns.
However, he also struggled with turnovers, throwing four interceptions in just three games, an area he must improve to succeed in the SEC.
Missouri’s 2026 schedule presents significant challenges, including matchups against Florida, Texas A&M, Texas, Oklahoma, and road games at Ole Miss and Georgia.
Simmons’ ability to limit mistakes while making big plays could determine how far the Tigers go this season.
If he recaptures the potential that earned him the starting job at Ole Miss, Missouri’s quarterback upgrade from Beau Pribula to Simmons could pay major dividends.
